Sports Bulletin

Karachi (Sports News):The second day of the fourth round of President’s Trophy Grade-I saw Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) extend their dominance over State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) with a monumental first innings lead at the SBP Sports Complex as action took place across four venues in Karachi. KRL were 365-8 in 128 overs at close of play in their first innings and 259 runs ahead of SBP as Waqar Ahmed and Sarmad Bhatti ground the opposition to dirt with gritty centuries and an unrelenting 129-run stand for the fifth wicket after they got together at 158-4. Waqar (138, 244b, 17x4s) smashed his seventh first-class century, while Sarmad remained unbeaten on 100 off 257 balls at close having hit 10 fours. For SBP, Niaz Khan picked up three wickets, while Rameez Aziz and Shahid Aziz dismissed two batters each. Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) and Sahir Associates played out a grinding day at the KCCA Stadium as the former managed 220-6 in 88 overs in their first innings at the close of play on day two, trailing the latter by another 28 runs. Opening batter Umar Siddiq led the way for OGDCL with a dogged half-century (79, 180b, 7x4s) after putting on 86-run stand with fellow opener Israrullah (30, 66b, 5x4s). No.3 batter Haroon Arshad stayed in the middle for 71 balls scoring 23 runs inclusive of two fours. Sahir Associates made in-roads with five quick wickets as OGDCL went from 125-1 to 166-6 before Danish Aziz (43 not out, 87b, 2x4s) and Asif Afridi (22 not out, 73b, 1x4, 1x6) led them out of trouble with an unbeaten 54-run stand. For Sahir Associates, Rewayat Khan and Hafiz Mohammad Suleman returned identical figures of three for 56 in 23 and 28 overs, respectively. Earlier, Sahir resumed from their overnight score of 245-8 and could only add three runs to their total as Asif finished with seven for 73 in 36 overs – his best bowling figures in an innings in first-class cricket. At the National Bank Stadium, Pakistan Television (PTV) were struggling at 99-5 in 36.5 overs in their second innings after conceding a 72-run deficit against Sui Norther Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL). PTV’s Mohammad Taha was unbeaten on 25 off 101 balls with the help of three fours at close, while no.5 batter Mohammad Suleman fell for a 70-ball 25 hitting three boundaries as well. SNGPL’s Shehzad Gul (2-23), Shahnawaz Dahani (2-38) and Sajid Khan (1-23) were vital in keeping PTV’s second innings lead to a slim 27.Earlier, SNGPL resumed their first innings from 58-3 in 18 overs and were bowled out for 238 in 67.3 overs with Saifullah Bangash (71, 104b, 8x4s, 1x6) and Sajid Khan (34, 28b, 7x4s) staging a late 65-run resistance for the ninth wicket. For PTV, Ali Usman picked up four wickets, while Amad Butt and Israr Hussain bagged three wickets each. Ghani Glass were leading Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) by 85 runs in their second innings after they closed the day two with 166-2 on the board in 53 overs at the UBL Sports Complex. Opening batters Khawaja Arham (68, 117b, 9x4s, 2x6s) and Kashif Ali (53, 101b, 6x4s, 1x6) did well to erase the 81-run first innings deficit with 107-run stand at the top. Mohsin Riaz (22 not out, 64b, 2x4s) and Tayyab Tahir (21 not out, 36b, 4x4s) were unbeaten on the crease. Earlier, WAPDA were bowled out for 223 in 67.2 overs after resuming from overnight score of 129-4 in 33 overs, in reply to Ghani Glass’ 142 all out in first innings. Ayaz Tasawar converted his overnight 42 not out to 78 off 138 balls with the help of 11 fours and one six. Ghani Glass’ skipper Noman Ali bagged his 35th first-class five-for returning impressive figures of 24-6-59-7, while leg-spinner Mohammad Rameez Jnr dismissed two batters.  Scores in brief – Round 4 – Day 2 of 4Sahir Associates v Oil and Gas Development Company Limited at KCCA Stadium, KarachiOGDCL trail by 28 runs with four wickets remaining in first innings  Sahir Associates 248 all out, 97 overs (Mohammad Faiq 93, Asim Ali Nasir 59, Mohammad Saleem 43, Razaullah 29; Asif Afridi 7-73) OGDCL 220-6, 88 overs (Umar Siddiq 79, Danish Aziz 43 not out, Israrullah 30, Haroon Arshad 23, Asif Afridi 22 not out; Rewayat Khan 3-56, Hafiz Mohammad Suleman 3-56) Khan Research Laboratories v State Bank of Pakistan at SBP Sports Complex, Karachi KRL lead by 259 runs with two wickets remaining in first innings SBP 106 all out, 38.2 overs (Muhammad Ghazi Ghori 40; Mohammad Hamza 4-17, Ahmed Bashir 3-39, Abdul Wahid 3-49) KRL 365-8, 128 overs (Waqar Ahmed 138, Sarmad Bhatti 100 not out, Imran Rafiq 35, Saad Baig 29; Niaz Khan 3-77, Rameez Aziz 2-40, Shahid Aziz 2-70) Pakistan Television v Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited at National Bank Stadium, KarachiPTV lead by 27 runs with five wickets remaining in second innings PTV 166 all out, 66.2 overs (Amad Butt 46 not out, Mohammad Taha 38, Taimur Khan 24, Mohammad Mohsin 22; Shehzad Gul 4-40, Shahnawaz Dahani 2-23, Sajid Khan 2-75) and 99-5, 36.5 overs (Mohammad Taha 25 not out, Mohammad Suleman 25; Shehzad Gul 2-23, Shahnawaz Dahani 2-38) SNGPL 238 all out, 67.3 overs (Saifullah Bangash 71, Omair Bin Yousuf 42, Sajid Khan 34, Abdul Samad 25; Ali Usman 4-66, Amad Butt 3-42, Israr Hussain 3-66) Water and Power Development Authority v Ghani Glass at UBL Sports Complex, Karachi Ghani Glass lead by 85 runs with eight wickets remaining in second inningsGhani Glass 142 all out, 46.4 overs (Ali Razzaq 64 not out, Tayyab Tahir 33; Naqeebullah 3-46, Mujtaba Khan 2-12, Khalid Usman 2-21, Mohammad Zeeshan 2-39) and 166-2, 53 overs (Khawaja Arham 68, Kashif Ali 53, Mohsin Riaz 22 not out, Tayyab Tahir 21 not out) WAPDA 223 all out, 67.1 overs (Ayaz Tasawar 78, Muhammad Akhlaq 38, Sharoon Siraj 23, Bismillah Khan 21; Noman Ali 7-59, Mohammad Rameez Jnr 2-55).

Karachi (Sports News):The fourth round of the President’s Trophy Grade-I 2025-26 started in Karachi with the four games taking place at KCCA Stadium, SBP Sports Complex, NBP Sports Complex and National Bank Stadium from Thursday onwards. At the KCCA Stadium, Sahir Associates got through 92.1 overs scoring 245-8 against Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) as half-centuries from Mohammad Faiq and Asim Ali Nasir (59, 115b, 5x4s) lifted them from 32-2 in 13.1 overs.OGDCL’s Test spinner Asif Afridi registered his 18th first-class five-wicket haul as he returned figures of 33.1-5-72-5. Faiq fell seven runs short of his maiden first-class century as his 188-ball 93 comprising seven fours ended in the 76th over after he had joined skipper Asim at the fall of second wicket. The duo stitched 97 runs for the third wicket as Asim also went top of the run-scoring charts in the tournament.No.6 batter Mohammad Saleem remained unbeaten for 40 off 131 balls hitting one four, while no.8 Razaullah contributed 29 off 40 balls inclusive of a solitary boundary. State Bank of Pakistan were bundled out for 106 in 38.2 overs against Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) as Mohammad Hamza (13-4-17-4), Ahmed Bashir (16.2-4-39-3) and Abdul Wahid (9-1-49-3) shared all 10 wickets among them at the SBP Sports Complex. No.5 batter Muhammad Ghazi Ghori top-scored with a 62-ball 40 hitting six fours, Kashif Bhatti (16, 19b, 2x4s, 1x6) and Niaz Khan (11, 20b, 1x4) were only other SBP batters to enter double figures. In turn, KRL closed the day with 135-3 in 38 overs with Waqar Ahmed unbeaten on 57 off 87 balls hitting seven fours and Imran Rafiq not out on 25 off 61 balls with the help of three fours. Opening batter Saad Baig fell for a 51-ball 29 smashing five fours. For SBP, Rameez Aziz picked up two for 26 in his five overs. Sui Norther Gas Pipelines Limited’s (SNGPL) Shehzad Gul continued his red-hot form as he picked four for 40 off 16.2 overs, on the back of his match haul of 11 wickets in third round, to help his team dismiss Pakistan Television (PTV) for 166 in 66.2 overs at the National Bank Stadium. In reply, SNGPL were 58-3 in 18 overs as they lost three quick wickets after they were 23 for no loss with Ali Usman removing Azan Awais for seven and Saad Khan for a duck, while Ali Zaryab was pinned leg-before by Israr Hussain. In the meanwhile, Omair Bin Yousuf sped to 26 not out off 28 balls hitting four fours, while pacer Mohammad Ali performed night watcher duty with success facing 18 balls for four unbeaten runs. At the UBL Sports Complex, Ghani Glass were bundled out for 142 in 46.4 overs against Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) as Ali Razzaq top-scored with 64 not out off 108 balls hitting nine fours and two sixes. Tayyab Tahir’s 33 at no.4 facing 75 balls also kept one end safe at one point as wickets fell around him. For WAPDA, Naqeebullah picked up three wickets, while Mujtaba Khan, Khalid Usman and Mohammad Zeeshan dismissed two batters each. WAPDA closed the day 13 runs behind Ghani Glass as they posted 129-4 in 33 overs with the help of Ayaz Tasawar’s unbeaten 42 off 60 balls, which he accumulated striking eight fours and one six. Opening batter Muhammad Akhlaq fell after scoring 38 off 45 balls hitting four fours and two sixes. Sharoon Siraj fell prey to Test pacer Khurram Shahzad for a 50-ball 23 at the end of the day as Noman Ali picked up the first three wickets to fall. Scores in brief – Round 4 – Day 1 of 4Sahir Associates v Oil and Gas Development Company Limited at KCCA Stadium, Karachi Sahir Associates 245-8, 92.1 overs (Mohammad Faiq 93, Asim Ali Nasir 59, Mohammad Saleem 40 not out, Razaullah 29; Asif Afridi 5-72) Khan Research Laboratories v State Bank of Pakistan at SBP Sports Complex, Karachi KRL lead by 29 runs with seven wickets remaining in first innings SBP 106 all out, 38.2 overs (Mohammad Ghazi Ghori 40; Mohammad Hamza 4-17, Ahmed Bashir 3-39, Abdul Wahid 3-49) KRL 135-3, 38 overs (Waqar Ahmed 57 not out, Saad Baig 29, Imran Rafiq 25 not out; Rameez Aziz 2-26) Pakistan Television v Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited at National Bank Stadium, KarachiSNGPL trail by 108 runs with seven wickets remaining in first innings PTV 166 all out, 66.2 overs (Amad Butt 46 not out, Mohammad Taha 38, Taimur Khan 24, Mohammad Mohsin 22; Shehzad Gul 4-40, Shahnawaz Dahani 2-23, Sajid Khan 2-75) SNGPL 58-3, 18 overs (Omair Bin Yousuf 26 not out; Ali Usman 2-9) Water and Power Development Authority v Ghani Glass at UBL Sports Complex, Karachi WAPDA trail by 13 runs with six wickets remaining in first innings Ghani Glass 142 all out, 46.4 overs (Ali Razzaq 64 not out, Tayyab Tahir 33; Naqeebullah 3-46, Mujtaba Khan 2-12, Khalid Usman 2-21, Mohammad Zeeshan 2-39) WAPDA 129-4, 33 overs (Ayaz Tasawar 42 not out, Muhammad Akhlaq 38, Sharoon Siraj 23; Noman Ali 3-40).

Dubai (Sports News): STARTRADER, a global broker, has announced a renewed partnership with the UAE Men’s National Cricket Team for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to begin on February 7, 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. As part of the agreement, STARTRADER’s branding will appear on the official team jerseys throughout the tournament.STARTRADER Chief Executive Officer Peter Karsten said on the occasion, “We have sponsored the UAE National Cricket Team during last year’s Asia Cup staged in the UAE but this time we are going bigger. We know that cricket has a way of reminding us what commitment, trust, and growth can achieve. Continuing this partnership reflects our belief in long-term support for communities and in the human spirit driving both the game and the markets.”As the CEO of STARTRADER stated, this partnership carries a strong message to the audience. It reinforces the pillars on which they operate. In cricket and in trading, trust in the team and in the strategy is the main force that leads participants in each of these fields to achieve more growth. The broker is licensed by five regulatory authorities around the world (SCA, ASIC, FSCA, FSA, FSC) which further highlights the trust aspect, allowing clients to aim for growth with peace of mind. Emirates Cricket Board Chief Operating Officer Subhan Ahmad: “We are delighted to welcome STARTRADER as our Official Partner for UAE Men’s National Cricket Team for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. We look forward to a mutually beneficial partnership which will help in the growth of the game in the UAE. Our partnership with STARTRADER goes beyond sport, reflecting shared values of discipline, focus, and resilience. The partnership is fully aligned with the Emirates Cricket Board’s vision for our team as they continue to showcase their talent at the world level with impressive performances.”

Lahore (Sports News):Tickets for the three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Australia will go on sale from Friday, 16 January at pcb.tcs.com.pk, while the physical tickets can be purchased from Monday, 19 January at TCS Express Centres from 10am onwards, the PCB announced today. Pakistan will take on Australia in three T20Is on 29, 31 January and 1 February at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. All the three matches will begin at 6pm PKT. For the Thursday, 29 January game the VIP enclosure (Fazal Mahmood and Imran Khan) tickets will be priced at PKR 800 followed by PKR 600 for premium (Rajas and Saeed Anwar), PKR 500 for First Class (Abdul Hafeez Kardar, Abdul Qadir, Javed Miandad and Sarfaraz Nawaz) and PKR 400 for the General enclosures (Hanif Mohammad, Imtiaz Ahmed, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Saeed Ahmed). Fans can buy first T20I tickets of the VIP enclosures at Iqbal End (Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram) for PKR 1500 and the ones at Jinnah End (Majid Khan and Zaheer Abbas) will cost PKR 2000. The hospitality gallery tickets have been priced at PKR 5,000 for the opening game. The tickets for the second and third T20I for the VIP enclosures have been set to PKR 1,000, Premium at PKR 700, First Class at PKR 600 and for the General stands at PKR 500. The Iqbal End VIP tickets will cost PKR 2,000, while PKR 2,500 for the Jinnah End VIP enclosures. Hospitality Gallery tickets for the last two T20Is can be bought for PKR 6,000 each. Moreover, the price for one seat in the 24-seat Hospitality box in Iqbal End has been set to PKR 20,000 for the first T20I and 25,000 each for the second and third game. 

Lahore (Sports News:The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed the dates for Australia’s T20I tour of Pakistan later this month. The three-match T20I series scheduled to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore will take place on 29, 31 January and 1 February.Australia’s T20I squad will arrive in Lahore on Wednesday, 28 January. The coin toss in all the three matches is set to take place at 5.30pm PKT with the first ball expected to be bowled at 6pm PKT.The series serves as crucial game time for both the sides ahead of the all-important ICC Men’s T20I World Cup 2026, where Pakistan are placed in Group A and Australia in Group B.This will also be Australia’s third trip to Pakistan since March-April 2022, when they played a three-match Test and ODI series followed by a solitary T20I. They played three of their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 matches in the country as well.Australia bagged a close three-wicket win in the only T20I they played at the Gaddafi Stadium on 5 April 2022.COO PCB, Sumair Ahmed Syed:“We are excited and look forward to hosting Australia for the three-match T20I series here in Lahore. The tour marks a blockbuster beginning of the year for Pakistan Cricket fans and I urge them to turn out in numbers during the series to support both the teams as they put final touches to their T20 World Cup preparations.“I’m sure the Gaddafi Stadium has become a familiar sight for Australian Cricket team as they have played a Test, five ODIs and a T20I here since March 2022.”Series schedule: (All matches at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore)1st T20I – Thursday, 29 January – 6pm PKT2nd T20I – Saturday, 31 January – 6pm PKT3rd T20I – Sunday, 1 February – 6pm PKT

Lahore (Sports News): The Pakistan Cricket Board has today unveiled the ODI and T20I squads of the Pakistan Women’s team for the upcoming tour to South Africa starting 10 February in Potchefstroom. Fatima Sana will continue to lead the side in both the formats as Pakistan build towards the ICC Women’s T20I World Cup 2026 in June. Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, and Tasmia Rubab are part of both the squads, while uncapped batter Saira Jabeen and right-arm fast bowler Humna Bilal have earned their maiden T20I call-ups. Opening batters Ayesha and Gull along with left-arm pacer Tasmia and wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi have been called up to the 15-member ODI squad after missing out on the ODI World Cup selection. Diana Baig, Najiha, Sadaf Shamas and Syeda Aroob Shah are just part of the 50-over squad, while Humna, Saira, Tuba Hassan and Eyman Fatima are in the T20I squad only. During the tour, mentor Wahab Riaz will be assisted by a seasoned set of coaches including Imran Farhat (batting coach), Umaid Asif (fast bowling coach), Abdur Rehman (spin bowling coach) and Abdul Majeed (fielding coach). The pre-series training camp will commence from Sunday, 1 January at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre, Karachi. The T20Is will be played in Potchefstroom, Benoni and Kimberley from 10 to 16 February with all being day-night fixtures. Pakistan will warm up for the ODI series with a 50-over game at Kimberley followed by the three ODIs at Bloemfontein, Centurion and Durban from 22 February to 1 March. The second ODI will begin in the afternoon and will also be played under lights, while the warm-up, first and the third ODI will be day games. Fast bowling all-rounder Pakistan Women’s team is set to return to South Africa for a bilateral series after January 2021, when they took part in a three-match ODI series in Durban. In February 2023, Pakistan took part in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa and played their matches in Cape Town and Paarl. T20I squad: Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza (wicket- keeper), Humna Bilal, Muneeba Ali (wicket-keeper), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Saira Jabeen, Sidra Amin, Tasmia Rubab, and Tuba HassanODI Squad: Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali (wicket-keeper), Najiha Alvi (wicket-keeper), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah and Tasmia RubabPlayer support personnel: Wahab Riaz (Mentor), Imran Farhat (batting coach), Umaid Asif (fast bowling coach), Abdur Rehman (spin bowling coach), Abdul Majeed (fielding coach), Moeen (strength & conditioning coach), Waleed Ahmad (performance analyst), Ayesha Ashar (Team manager), Tehreem Sumbal (physiotherapist) and Raza Rashid Kitchlew (media manager) Pakistan Women’s tour of South Africa Schedule: (10 February to 1 March) 1st T20I – 10 February – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom (day/night)2nd T20I – 13 February – Willowmoore Park, Benoni (day/night)3rd T20I – 16 February – Kimberley Oval, Kimberley (day/night) 50-over warm-up match – 19 February - Kimberley Oval, Kimberley (day) 1st ODI – 22 February - Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein (day)2nd ODI – 25 February – SuperSport Park, Centurion (day/night)3rd ODI – 1 March – Kingsmead Stadium, Durban (day).

Islamabad (Sports News): Preparations for the ICC Under-19s Men’s Cricket World Cup continued with West Indies, Pakistan and Tanzania all winning their warm-up matches.​Tanzania clinched a nail-biting encounter with Ireland by one wicket, recovering from 21 for six to chase 198, while the West Indies were victorious over Japan by 229 runs.​Pakistan eased past the USA by 69 runs, while Bangladesh’s match with Scotland was eventually abandoned because of rain.​Tanzania fight back to defeat IrelandTanzania elected to field first and their decision paid dividends as they dismissed Ireland for 197, Khalidy Juma leading the way with five for 35.Discipline with the ball repeatedly stopped Ireland from building partnerships, despite defiant knocks from Adam Leckey (38) and Freddie Ogilby (36).Tanzania’s response got off to a difficult start, Dylan Thakrar and Darpan Jobanputra falling for ducks as they slipped to seven for two.Wickets continued to fall early, with Oliver Riley removing all of Tanzania’s top four batters to put his side in control with Tanzania reeling on 21 for six.​However, Mohamed Simba Mbaki was undeterred and sparked Tanzia’s resurgence, scoring 49 from 59 before being removed by Luke Murray having dragged his side to 134 for eight.​Abdulazak Mohamedi continued the resistance with 46 from 68 deliveries, which was backed up by Acrey Hugo’s 29 not out from 48.That put Tanzania in striking distance at 190 for nine and Ally Hafidhi then came in and wrapped up victory.​West Indies dominate JapanWest Indies warmed up in style with a dominant 229-run victory over Japan in Windhoek.West Indies were put into bat first and got off to a fine start as Tanez Francis and Zachary Carter put on 40 for the first wicket in just seven overs.​Francis, who finished on 122 not out, and Shamar Apple later put on 194 for the fifth wicket to take their side out of sight.​Apple’s 124 came from just 65 deliveries, including 10 fours and eight sixes.​West Indies set Japan an imposing target of 347 for victory and Taylor Waugh (32) led the charge but wickets fell consistently around him as they were bowled out for 117.R’Jai Gittens was the pick of the bowlers with figures of four for eight, while Vitel Lawes took a further three wickets.​Pakistan ease past USA​Pakistan defeated the USA by 69 runs in Bulawayo after impressive performances with bat and ball.​Pakistan’s opening pair, Sameer Minhas and Mohammed Shayan, put on 105 before Sameer retired out having made 74 off 55 deliveries with eight fours and four sixes.​Almost all of Pakistan’s batters earned starts, with eight reaching double figures. Ahmad Hussain impressed for his 43 from 62 balls, and Ali Hassan Baloch scored a quick-fire 36 from 19 balls, featuring two fours and three maximums.​Pakistan went on to score 294 from their 50 overs and bowled well in response, bowling the USA out for 225.​The attack shared the load as seven bowlers took wickets, which fell at regular intervals to curb any US momentum.​Momin Qamar and Abdul Subhan both made sizeable impacts, taking two for 24 and two for 27, respectively.​There were positives to take for the USA batting line-up, however, particularly Sahil Garg’s knock of 75 from 83.Rain abandons play between Bangladesh and ScotlandBangladesh's contest with Scotland was abandoned late on with the Tigers agonisingly close to victory.The Tigers could sense victory after the Scottish innings was reduced to 20 overs but rain meant there could be no further play.​Bangladesh scored 161 for four from their 29.2 overs, opener Rifat Beg leading the charge with an unbeaten 75.Shreyas Tekale impressed the ball for Scotland, removing Kalam Siddiki (25) and Rizan Hossan (10) to end on two for 19.​In tough conditions, the Scottish batters struggled to respond. Max Chaplin top-scored with 31 from 27 deliveries backed up by Theo Robinson’s 27 from 24.​Only two others reached double figures, with Md Samiun Ratul taking three for 15, including the wickets of Chaplin and Robinson.​That left them on the cusp of victory with Scotland requiring 54 from their final 15 balls but rain meant no result could be reached.Scores in brief:Ireland v Tanzania at Wanderers Cricket Ground, Windhoek​ Ireland 194 all out in 46.1 overs (Adam Leckey 38, Freddie Ogilby 36; Khalidy Juma 5/35, Augustine Mwamele 2/33)Tanzania 201/9 from 44.2 overs (Simba Mbaki 49, Abdulazak Mohamedi 46; Oliver Riley 5/28, Adam Leckey 2/30)Result: Tanzania won by one wicketWest Indies v Japan at United Cricket Club, WindhoekWest Indies 346/6 from 50 overs (Shamar Apple 124, Tanez Francis 122*; Kai Wall 2/36, Gabriel Hinze 1/17)Japan 117 all out in 42.3 overs (Taylor Waugh 32, Chihaya Sekine 28; R’Jai Gittens 4/8, Vitel Lawes 3/28)Result: West Indies won by 229 runsPakistan v USA at Bulawayo Athletic Club, BulawayoPakistan 294/8 from 50 overs (Sameer Minhas 74, Ahmad Hussain 43; Utkarsh Srivastava 3/26, Adit Kappa 2/56)USA 225 all out in 43.5 overs (Sahil Garg 75, Utkarsh Srivastava 36; Ahmad Hussain 2/22, Momin Qamar 2/24)​Result: Pakistan win by 69 runsBangladesh v Scotland at Prince Edward School Ground, Harare​Bangladesh 161/4 from 29.2 overs (Rifat Beg 75, Kalam Siddiki 25; Shreyas Tekale 2/19, Ethan Ramsay 1/24)​Scotland 122/9 from 19.3 overs (Max Chaplin 31, Theo Robinson 27; Md Samiun Ratul 3/15, Rizan Hossan 2/10)Result: Abandoned

Dubai (Sports News): Season 4 of the DP World ILT20 marked a significant step in the league’s regional development efforts, with players from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia earning selection at the league’s first ever auction and featuring across all six franchises. Each team acquired at least one player from both countries, offering emerging cricketers the opportunity to train and compete alongside some of the world’s leading players at one of the globe’s premier T20 leagues. DP World ILT20 Season 4 culminated on 4 January, with Desert Vipers overcoming MI Emirates to secure their first title.Speaking over the course of the tournament, the Kuwait players reflected on their experiences and the opportunity to work alongside established international cricketers.Captain of the Kuwait cricket team, Mohamed Aslam, who turned out for the Sharjah Warriorz, said: “It’s a great opportunity for me to represent Sharjah Warriorz in the DP World ILT20, and we are getting a lot of experience in the dressing room.As the captain of the Kuwait national team, I am sharing the dressing room with leaders like Tim Southee and Sikandar Raza. I have gotten a lot of information from them and learned many things by asking questions. As an associate cricket player, this is a very good opportunity. I hope to apply all of this in Kuwait and do our best.”Mohammed Shafeeq became the first player from Kuwait or Saudi Arabia to feature in a DP World ILT20 fixture when he took the field for MI Emirates against the Dubai Capitals. Reflecting on his experience, he said: “The support from the coaching staff has been amazing because this is a completely different feeling for us. It will help us in the future, as the coaches are always watching us and giving technical inputs.”It is a very big moment for me to be part of this team and to play alongside players like Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran and Jonny Bairstow. All of them are top players and operate at different levels. They consider us for every match, and that means a lot to me.”Dubai Capitals’ Anudeep Chenthamara said: “I would like to thank the Kuwait Cricket Board and DP World ILT20 for giving me this opportunity, it is a big one for me and the whole team. There has been a lot of experience and learning over here. We have worked with experienced players and coaches; I have been able to work on many things from the basics to the higher level. For example, I have changed the base of my run-up.”Echoing these sentiments, Gulf Giants’ Meet Bhavsar, who has played 73 T20Is for Kuwait, said: “It’s been a great experience to share the dressing room with the superstars of modern-day cricket. Facing somebody like Tabraiz Shamsi in the nets has been really challenging and helped me immensely. I will try to share as much as I can with the rest of the Kuwait team, and I am grateful for the chance to be here.”Representing the Season 4 champions, Desert Vipers, Bilal Tahir remarked: “We are learning a lot every day. We have very good coaches, a great environment, and the style of teaching really helps us improve. Playing with these stars is a dream for us because they are legends, and we learn so much from them. Just the other day in the nets, Fakhar Zaman told me how to improve certain things. I am very thankful to the Desert Vipers for giving us this opportunity.”Adnan Idrees, whose services were secured by the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, added: “It’s a great experience and I’m really enjoying my time here. Learning from legends is always a blessing, and sharing the dressing room with players like Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Phil Salt and Liam Livingstone makes me feel my game will improve a lot.“I keep getting tips from them about staying focused on my game, and I’ve learned a lot already. They are gems as people and as cricketers, and it’s a joy to share the dressing room with them. I feel blessed to be part of the DP World ILT20 and hope more players get the chance to come here.”

Bulawayo (Sports News): Pakistan U19 will take on USA U19 in their second warm-up match of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup at the Bulawayo Athletic Club in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe on Tuesday. The first ball of the match will be bowled at 9.30am local time, with the toss scheduled at 9am.Pakistan team held a training session at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Monday, where the players took part in net sessions as well as fielding drills for three hours. Pakistan, who are placed in Group C of the mega event, saw their first warm-up match on Saturday against Bangladesh washed out, with only 36.3 overs of Bangladesh’s innings possible at the Masvingo Sports Club.The 16-team tournament is scheduled to take place from 15 January to 6 February in Namibia and Zimbabwe. Champions of the 2004 and 2006 ICC U19 editions, Pakistan will face England in their opening fixture at the Takashinga Sports Club in Harare on 16 January.Pakistan will enter the mega event on the back of winning two tournaments – the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup and the U19 tri-series. Pakistan defeated India by 191 runs in Dubai to clinch the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup title, while they beat hosts Zimbabwe by nine wickets in Harare to secure the tri-series trophy.Looking ahead to the team’s preparations for the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup, head coach Shahid Anwar, said:“The players’ strong performances in the past have boosted their confidence, which is very encouraging. Our preparations are progressing well and everything has been planned with the objective of winning the World Cup.“We are fortunate to have this group of players and all the coaches feel equally privileged. One in-built quality in these boys is that they never give up and continue to fight till the last ball.“The teamwork within the group is outstanding, with everyone complementing each other. Unity, faith and discipline remain our core values.“The entire coaching staff works with the players individually, focusing on their natural strengths and enhancing their super strengths. If we continue to rely on our strengths against any opponent, I am confident we will achieve positive results.” 15-member squad: Farhan Yousaf (captain), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hasan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq, Sameer Minhas and Umar ZaibICC U19 World Cup Pakistan fixtures:16 January – Pakistan v England, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare19 January – Pakistan v Scotland, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare22 January – Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare24 January to 1 February – Super 6 matches3 February – First semi-final, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo4 February – Second semi-final, Harare Sports Club, Harare6 February – Final, Harare Sports Club, Harare 

Masvingo (Sports News): Ali Raza grabbed three wickets as Pakistan U19 put in a disciplined bowling performance against Bangladesh U19 before persistent rain forced the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup warm-up match to be called off without a result at the Masvingo Sports Club in Zimbabwe on Saturday afternoon.After winning the toss, Pakistan opted to field and made early inroads into the Bangladesh batting line-up. Right-arm fast bowler Ali struck twice in his first over to reduce Bangladesh to 10 for two, dismissing Zawad Abrar and Rifat Beg, while Umar Zaib accounted for skipper Azizul Hakim shortly after to leave Bangladesh reeling at 12 for three.Rain continued to interrupt play at regular intervals. Kalam Siddiki scored an unbeaten 71 off 98 balls, which included six fours. Mohammad Sayyam chipped in with a wicket, while Momin Qamar and Usman Khan picked up one scalp each to keep Bangladesh in check. Ali later returned to dismiss wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Abdullah, completing his three-wicket haul as Bangladesh reached 152 for seven in 36.3 overs when rain interrupted play once again. With rain continuing and conditions failing to improve, the match was eventually called off. Ali Raza said: “I worked closely with the bowling coach during the tri-series and he gave me confidence. In today’s match, I managed to take two wickets early and another later in the innings, which was encouraging for me. It was a bit difficult due to the rain as conditions kept changing, which made it challenging for the players. However, I tried to adapt whenever I got the chance and gave my 100 per cent. We have won two tournaments recently. The entire team put in a lot of effort, everyone is confident and we will give our best in the World Cup.”Pakistan U19 are set to travel to Bulawayo from Masvingo on Sunday, where they will take on USA U19 in their second warm-up match on Tuesday, 13 January at the Bulawayo Athletics Club. The 16-team ICC U19 Men’s World Cup is set to take place in Namibia and Zimbabwe from 15 January to 6 February. Farhan Yousaf-led side are placed in Group C and will take on England in their opening match on 16 January at the Takashinga Sports Club in Harare.Scores in brief:No resultBangladesh U19 152-7, 36.3 overs (Kalam Siddiki 71 not out, Rizan Hossan 18; Ali Raza 3-34)